TGIF, sip sip hooray!

I don't know about you, but things have been a little crazy around here lately! Lots of late nights at work this week, but also lots of fun celebrations to balance things out :) How has your week been?

sip & skimm

I know it sounds like I'm beating a dead horse, but seriously you need to check out the Skimm! With so many things going on in the world right now, and an upcoming presidential campaign, I honestly don't know how anyone can keep up with it all. The Skimm is a great way to feel like you're at least close to knowing everything that's going on, or at the least knowing about everything that's going on. I have been a subscriber to some form of daily news email, whether it be the local paper, the WSJ or Washington Post, and I have to say, the Skimm surpasses them all, by miles. It has the most far-reaching topics, but not so many that it's overwhelming, and they are always on top of the latest news. Plus, one of the best parts is that it only comes to your inbox ONCE/ day, no exceptions, and no weekends. Unlike Gap, who I think can tell when I delete without opening, and sends me another email. I swear it's happened before.
Anyways - seriously, if you haven't checked it out yet you should, and if you are interested you can become a Skimm'bassador and take part in super fun events that are held all over the country. Last night Louisville Skimm'rs hosted a Sip and Skimm at a local restaurant and it was so. much. fun! If that hasn't convinced you yet, then surely this will - you get a shout-out on your birthday!

bachelorette party

My bachelorette party was a couple of weeks ago, and I think I am still recovering! Have you ever had a bushwacker? It might be the #1 reason that I love Nashville so much! It's essentially an alcoholic milkshake, and it can really creep up on you if you have a couple :) I would highly suggest trying one if you ever get the chance - or making one at home. I've done it, and the results actually weren't half bad! We had such a great time that now I really want all of my friends to be engaged so we can go back ASAP!

in the lobby

Despite choosing three other colors as my fall favorites from the Essie collection, I ended up purchasing "In the Lobby" last week, and I could not be more pleased! I will say it is not nearly as purple as their stock photos make it look, but more of a merlot-deep red. If you are looking for a staple fall nail color this is one could not be more perfect! Have any of y'all tried it? What did you think about the stock color vs. the actual color? [I will update with picture! I'd already repainted my nails a different color without thinking]
I swear these fall colors just came out, or maybe I was late to the game, but I'm already seeing and loving the winter colors as well! I wish it was still cool to have each nail painted a different color so I could wear them all at once!

house hunting part 3

Eventually I'm going to stop numbering these because it is just reminding me how long it takes. I know, finding a house is not a fast process. But I am a very impatient person, and when I know what I want, I really want to do what I can when I can to get it accomplished. Maybe I can call myself driven or determined, rather than impatient. That sounds a little better, right?
Well, anyways, we put an offer in last week! It was countered, and then we countered again and they accepted!!! We are still in the inspection/survey/financing stages, but we are planning to close before Christmas and I am so excited!

one year engagediversary

One year ago I got engaged! It is still surreal to think about sometimes, and I have never been happier. We are also exactly three months from getting married (!!!), which is crazy when I know there is still so much to do! The planning has definitely gone in waves of doing absolutely nothing for a month, to having three appointments in one day. But, so far it seems to be working out alright. We are going to dinner at a new restaurant tonight to celebrate, which I am really looking forward to because we've been so busy lately that we haven't had a true date night in what feels like months. Any married friends want to share some advice for these last few months of planning? I am all ears!

Have a great weekend, y'all! Go Cats! 

xoxo

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Winterizing My Beauty Routine

As much as I think I can pull off a "year-round" look when it comes to my makeup, there are still a lot of things that I alter, even if ever so slightly, as winter comes around. The great Commonwealth of Kentucky experiences all four seasons, with all of their extremities, and that can really start to take a toll on your skin. I'll be the first to admit that I am not the best at preventative measures, but in theory, I start trying to prepare myself, and my skin, for winter as early as possible. 

Bronze Palettes

Okay, so I guess this isn't exactly something that makes your skin feel better and stay healthy, but I personally hate to lose that natural summer glow and tend to supplement that with a bronze palate/ all over face color. Although this is something that is actually good for your skin when the alternative is the forbidden tanning-bed, so there's that! A couple of months ago I went to BareMinerals to try out some new foundation - which I love - and the makeup artist also used some "faux tan" all over color, kind of as contouring "light". She made it look super easy, and for the most part it is. Then I picked up this palate from BareMinerals and have since fallen in love! First of all, it comes with a guide so you don't have to know/remember exactly how to apply each shade. Secondly, while it is long, it is very thin and compact and travels very well. And since it's not a loose powder, there is zero chance of it spilling. If you love to have that glow year round I would highly suggest this palate or something similar! This one is currently available - and on sale! 

Moisturize x 100

Body

This is probably the most important thing that you can do for your skin in the winter - well really all the time - but especially in the winter. This is also probably the thing that I am the worst at, basically because I'm lazy. BUT I was recently given the opportunity to try out Curel® Itch Defense® Instant Soothing Moisturizing Spray and I am sold. Y'all this stuff is great. It's a spray, I know captain obvious over here, but seriously, that makes me 100x more likely to use it because it is so much faster to apply in the mornings when I'm usually always running late. Unlike most spray sunscreens you do still have to rub it in a little bit, but still wayyy easier. The only downside I've found to it so far is that the can gets pretty slippery after I've applied the lotion, so I try to spray as much as I think I need before I rub it in. 

Face

Moisturizing my face is the first thing I do when I get out of the shower because my skin is so dry. When I went to BareMinerals that day, I'm pretty sure the girl told me I should be putting it on twice a day because my skin was just that dry. I like to use moisturizer that has SPF in it so that in the summer I don't have to apply greasy sunscreen to my face. It's also a good idea in the winter too because you are usually getting more sun than you realize and most people don't think to apply SPF when its 15 degrees outside. I've been using Aveeno for a couple of years and really like it, but any moisturizer is better than none. 

Staying Hydrated

Basically in keeping with the importance of moisturizing, winter can dry out your skin so much. But, your skin benefits from everything you put in to your body, as well as lotions and other things you put on the surface. Staying hydrated and getting at least 64 oz of water each day is essential to keeping your skin in good condition. Plus, staying hydrated does wonders for your complexion! 

New Nail Polish

As if I need a reason to buy new nail polish. But seriously. have y'all seen Essie's fall shades - I am in love! I haven't picked up any yet because I just can't decide which one I want, but I've got my eye on "Frock 'n Roll" and "With the Band." And honestly, I think if I was confident enough, that "Leggy Legend" is stunning! Have y'all bought any of these yet? Thoughts? 

Changing Out Perfume

Using a different perfume is kind of like the nail polish, obviously, not essential to preparing your body and skin for a new season. That being said, scent is one of the most acute senses with thousands of memories attached to specific scents. Every time I wear a different perfume I'm suddenly taken back to a specific memory that was trigger merely by the scent. And while I think (almost) all perfume smells wonderful, there is still a time and a place for different scents. I love to have a more floral airy scent in the summer, while a soft yet spicy scent is my go to for winter. One of my favorite fall/winter perfumes is Burburry Brit. I wore it for the first time this season last weekend and I just knew fall was here. 

What are some changes you make to your beauty routine as you gear up for winter? 

Have a great day, y'all! 

xoxo

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TGIF, oh hey August (almost)!

THE BAR EXAM IS OVER (And I promise that is all I will say about that until we get results). I hope y'all have had a great week and have a great weekend ahead. I am so excited to just lay out at the pool before I head back to work on Monday - hopefully the sunshine will cooperate :)

one

I finally moved out of the apartment that I lived in all three years of law school and it is so weird. I have been more or less living with my finance for about 6 months, but as of today I no longer have my own apartment. It's kind of a weird feeling, but it's also freeing knowing that now that we officially live together I have a say in a few things around the house more - at least I think I do.

two

My Emily Ley Planner officially went into service this week! I purchased this planner in May and have been dying to use it since the minute I picked it up. If you haven't heard of Emily Ley, I would encourage you to check her out. Her goal in life is to make things Simple in the prettiest way. I had been using the Lilly Pulitzer Planner, which would have lasted me until the end of the year, but with a wedding in February, I really wanted a planner that started in the Fall and went through next year so I could truly plan ahead for all of the events in the coming months. I am really looking forward to using this planner, and will definitely be sharing some of my favorite features. What kind of planner do y'all use? Are you loyal year after year to the same one?

three

I started an Instagram for the blog- see some of my posts on the right - so if you want to add me I would love that. It's a little sad right now, but bear with me and hopefully it gets a little more exciting. Plus it will give you a peek into a bit more than whats here on a weekly basis.

four

The success of this diet has been really great, so much better than I could have imagined. I'm not sure the last time (if ever) I lost more than 5 or 6 pounds at a time, so it usually was just enough to make my clothes a little loose or in most cases, they just fit better. This time around however I have found that a lot of my clothes no longer fit after losing almost 20 pounds. I mentioned last week that I have placed a shopping freeze on myself, just as a measure of self control, but if this trend goes on I might have to make an exception. I stopped working during the last month of studying so I hadn't really been wearing anything but norts and tee-shirts for the past few weeks and I guess hadn't noticed such a big change. Then earlier this week I was packing and trying on outfits for the bar because we have a certain dress code and none of my skirts fit. I'm hoping this weekend to pull out my sewing machine and figure out if I can tailor some of my clothes, or if I just need to donate them and repopulate my closet. Have y'all been in this situation? Any suggestions?

five

If you do your own nails I highly suggest Essie's new "Gel Setter" because it. is. perfect. I had been using Sally Hansen's Diamond Flash because it made my nails shiny, it dried fast, and kept my polish on for at least 4-5 days, which is pretty good in my book. It was time for me get a new bottle because I was running low and I'd heard great things about Essie's new top coat and thought I'd give it a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Plus, I am currently using the same brand for my base coat, color, and top coat so I really feel like I have my life together right now! Ha!

How has your week been, any big weekend plans?

Happy Friday, Y'all!
xoxo

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TGIF, Law School Prom

Happy Friday, y'all! It has been a longggg cold week around here, how has your week been?

1. SugarWish

My fiance really knows the way to my heart - SUGAR. Have y'all ever heard of Sugarwish? I don't remember which blog I first saw it reviewed on, but I knew the minute I saw it I had to have it. The problem is, it is technically supposed to be a gift, so I made sure to casually hint a time or two at how cool I thought it was - luckily it worked! Any ways, if you haven't heard of it, Sugarwish is a gift box that lets you send someone candy, but they get to choose what kind. Here's how it works: 1. You purchase the Sugarwish and send it to the lucky recipient either via e-mail or USPS, 2. The recipient receives a code that he or she can then use to redeem for the candy of their choice with no additional costs - shipping or otherwise; 3. The recipient awaits impatiently for a few days for the candy to arrive at their door step. So. Easy. & So. Appreciated!

2. Barrister's Ball

Barrister's Ball is fondly known around here, and I would assume other law schools, as "Law School Prom." The biggest difference in this and high school prom is that we're actually allowed to drink at this function, and maybe that finding a date is a little less awkward. Either way, it is always a great time! The last two years we've gone to someones apartment or house before the event to pre-game, you know in case the open bar isn't enough, and sometimes that is even more fun than the actual event. It is also extremely entertaining to see the dynamic among the different classes when we're outside of the brick walls at school. I am especially excited about this year's Barrister's because it is 3L and we're having it at the Derby Museum which is going to be amazing! Plus I've been waiting all week to wear this dress and get out of the house - hopefully it will warm up a little bit for us, otherwise there are going to be a lotttt of cold girls wearing their date's jackets.

3. SNOW DAY

Class was cancelled Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with a two-hour delay on Wednesday and it. was. magical. Tuesday I still had to go in to work for 5 or 6 hours, but I didn't mind that because I actually had work to do and it just meant my paycheck wasn't going to suffer because of the snow. But having the day off on Monday was so nice especially after a super busy weekend with the future in-laws in town. I did start to get a litttttle stir crazy, but I think a snow day is good for the mind every now and then. Personally I don't know how everyone in the Northeast has been coping with weeks of snow days, I think I would actually go crazy. Are any of y'all up there? What have you done to occupy the time?

4. Nail Polish

Luckily my fiance lives about 400 feet from a Kroger, so despite the 12"+ of snow, we were able to get out and pick up some things we needed/just get out of the apartment for a bit. I decided to reward myself with some new "snow day nail polish" - as if I needed a reason for new nail polish. Anyways, I got this Sally Hansen nail polish in "Reef Raf" and I am obsessed with it! It's pretty bright for this time of year, but a little color never hurt any one. What do y'all think?

5. Registry

We're going to a registry event at Belk on Sunday and I am so excited! We've looked at a few things that we want to register for, but haven't really sat down and gone through everything yet or seriously considered certain items. I am sure it will be somewhat of a stressful ordeal just trying to figure it all out, but I am really excited to move forward in our plans and think about what our future home will include :) Do y'all have any registry tips? I have done some research, but I still feel like I am going to be surprised by the whole process. I would love to hear about any experiences - good or bad - that you've had as a bride or a guest that stood out!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

xoxo

P.S. - today is exactly ONE YEAR until our wedding!!

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